PERSHORE Golf Society held its annual opening fixture of the new season at Stratford-on-Avon GC, where 24 members and guests were made welcome by incoming captain Alan Hadley.

Players were rewarded was good weather, hard frosted greens and a course presented in excellent condition and a number of scores in the net 70s from the lower handicap members gave a clear indication of the standard to expect for prospective winners in 2005.

This year's captain's selected charity, the Lifeboat Appeal, benefited by £30 from various fines and misdemeanours.

Third on countback was Neil Sheppard, second Vic Hammond and first Scott Goldsmith. Other winners - Least Putts, Dene Stallard; Longest Drive, Juan Mendez; Nearest the Flag, Dave Brierly; Best Gross, Scott Goldsmith.